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Ireland West Airport are pleased, to announce the airport has achieved Level 1 Accreditation, ‘Mapping’, in recognition of the airport’s actions to address its CO2 emissions, as part of the Global industry’s response to the challenge of climate change. 

Airport Carbon Accreditation is the global standard for carbon management and emission reductions at airports. This certification programme, specifically designed for airports, has received widespread support and endorsements from both the EU and the UN agencies responsible for civil aviation (ICAO) and climate change (UNFCCC). Launched in June 2009, the programme has Six levels of accreditation: Mapping, Reduction, Optimisation, Neutrality, Transformation and Transition

Participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme plays a significant role in the advancement of the airport’s overall Sustainability Strategy. Ireland West Airport’s accreditation at the ‘Mapping’ level means that the airport has mapped all of the CO2 emissions sources under its direct control, on the airport site and will now put in place the necessary processes to reduce those CO2 emissions.

Airport Carbon Accreditation is an annual certification programme and consequently requires ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuous improvements from year to year.

At present, there are over 414 airports in over 70 countries globally which are Airport Carbon Accredited at various levels of the programme. Airports accredited to date handle 49.3% of global passenger traffic each year. To find out more, you can go to www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org 

Commenting on the level 1 award Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport said: “The airport is delighted to have achieved the level 1 accreditation award which has mapped out the airport’s carbon footprint, the first important step towards a sustainable future for the airport. Our aim is to continue to reduce carbon emissions at Ireland West Airport and to work to ensure that the airport can continue to grow sustainably into the future while protecting the environment and in turn minimising our climate impact. Our interim pledge is to achieve a 51% reduction in Carbon Emissions by 2030 and the airport will now proceed to level 2 ‘Reduction’ of the programme as we work collectively to support aviation’s green transformation and achieve a ‘net zero’ position by 2050”. 

Brian McKavanagh, Business Development Director at Atkins said: ‘’We are delighted to have contributed to this landmark achievement which paves the way for Ireland West Airport to achieve higher levels of accreditation. We will continue to leverage our global sustainability and environmental expertise to support Ireland West Airport on their journey to net zero’’.

Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General said: “Congratulations to Ireland West Airport for taking this significant step towards decarbonising the airport’s operations and infrastructure. Achieving Level 1 ‘Mapping’ is of critical importance for future progression to higher levels of carbon management and to playing an active role in the climate challenge. I look forward to cheering the Ireland West Airport team on in their journey to net zero.”

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